News & Events

Holiday Safety

The National Fire Protection Association offers advice and tips on ways to help you and your family stay safe during the holiday season. Specific information on Christmas tree safety, holiday decorating and entertaining can be found here. Click on this link to their website. If you have any questions about this or any other holiday safety information call us at 926-3316.

On October 28th Governor Maggie Hassan signed a proclamation declaring November as Carbon Monoxide Awareness month. A press release from the NH Fire Marshal's office reads in part "Fire departments have responded to over 450 New Hampshire households for CO concerns already this year. Infants, elderly people, unborn babies, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Symptoms of CO poisoning may include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Do not ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. Marshal Degnan warns, "If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911."

For more information about carbon monoxide and ways to stay safe you can check the links below.

If you have any questions about this or any other safety information call us at 926-3316.

Hampton Fire Reminds Parents of Steps to Prevent Child Poisoning

Poison Prevention Has Saved More Than 900 Lives Since the 1970s

Hampton, N.H.  Every day thousands of new parents assume the responsibility of caring for and protecting a child. Many of these first-time caregivers are unaware of the dangers of unintentional poisonings often related to medicines and household products commonly found in the home, such as personal care products, over-the-counter pain relievers and cleaning substances.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Poison Prevention Week Council are kicking off National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22) to educate and inform consumers of the dangers associated with unintentional poisonings. From 2002 through 2004, about 36 children younger than 5 died each year as a result of ingesting poisonous substances found in and around the home. In 2005 about 91,000 young children visited hospital emergency rooms and more than one million calls were placed to poison control centers as a result of unintentional poisoning.

Many people do not realize how hazardous some common household products are, said Hampton Chief Chris Silver. Poison Prevention Week is intended to raise awareness of other poisonous substances in the home and take action to secure them from children.

Young children are curious and use their home environment as a classroom  a place to learn and explore. Exploring for younger children is often done by mouthing objects which puts them at greater risk of unintentional poisonings. For young children who are unable to read, a bottle of orange-scented household cleaner may be mistaken for orange juice; the medicine in the pill container can look a lot like small candies; and baby oil, which can be deadly if ingested, can resemble a clear drink.

To prevent these incidents, Hampton Fire recommends the following safety steps:

1. Keep all household chemicals and medicines locked up, out of sight and out of reach.

2. Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use. Some products also come in child-resistant blister cards, which avoid the need to re-secure.

3. Call 911 immediately in case of poisoning.

4. When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the phone or doorbell.

5. Keep items in original containers.

6. Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before using to understand correct use and dosage.

7. Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young children.

8. Always turn the light on when giving or taking medicine. Check the dosage every time.

9. Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as "medicine," not "candy."

10. Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of unneeded and outdated medicines.